Lockheed Martin’s NGSRI Takes Flight in First Successful Test

Lockheed Martin has successfully completed the first in a planned series of flight tests for its Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI)—a key milestone in the development of a potential successor to the widely used Stinger missile. The achievement underscores the company’s focus on rapid innovation and its commitment to delivering advanced capabilities that address evolving battlefield threats.

The successful test highlights Lockheed Martin’s ability to move cutting-edge technologies from concept to flight at unprecedented speed, while maintaining a strong emphasis on soldier safety, system performance, and operational flexibility.

Validating Performance at White Sands

The flight test was conducted at the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, a premier test facility for advanced missile systems. During the trial, the interceptor demonstrated key performance parameters and validated the maturity of critical subsystems essential for operational use.

According to the company, the test marked a significant step forward in reducing technical risk and advancing the missile toward operational readiness. It also confirmed the interceptor’s ability to perform in realistic flight conditions, setting the stage for additional testing in the coming months.

Designed for 21st-Century Threats

NGSRI is being developed as a 21st Century Security solution, designed from the ground up to meet modern warfighter needs. Built on a modular, open systems architecture, the interceptor is engineered for continuous upgrades, allowing it to rapidly incorporate new technologies as threats evolve.

The system is specifically designed to counter a broad spectrum of aerial threats, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as well as rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. In several operational scenarios, Lockheed Martin says NGSRI offers more than double the capability of the legacy Stinger system, delivering improved range, accuracy, and survivability.

Speed, Innovation, and Advanced Technologies

One of the most notable aspects of the program is its pace. Lockheed Martin took NGSRI from initial contract award in 2023 to first flight in just 26 months, an accelerated timeline that reflects the company’s agile development approach.

The interceptor leverages Lockheed Martin’s deep expertise in air and missile defense and incorporates advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance target detection, tracking, and engagement performance. These innovations aim to provide soldiers with a more capable, adaptable, and future-ready defensive tool.

Expert Perspective

“Our team’s shared mission, innovative approach, and agility were essential to achieving this milestone,” said Randy Crites, vice president of Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin. “We are driving the future of integrated air and missile defense by advancing technologies that safeguard warfighters and allies from increasingly complex threats.”

Chris Murphy, business development lead for Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs, emphasized the speed of execution. “Completing our controlled flight test series in less than six months demonstrates the agility our team brings to this competition,” he said. “Lockheed Martin remains committed to delivering highly capable, manufacturable, and affordable systems on timelines that meet the U.S. Army’s needs today.”

Together, these efforts position NGSRI as a strong contender in shaping the future of short-range air defense.